Why is this medication prescribed?  

Acetohexamide is used to treat type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'adult-onset'), particularly in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet alone. Acetohexamide lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin and helping the body use insulin efficiently. The pancreas must produce insulin for this medication to work. Acetohexamide is not used to treat type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes (formerly 'juvenile-onset').

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?  

Acetohexamide comes in tablets to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day before breakfast or twice a day before the morning and evening meals (i.e., breakfast and dinner). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetohexamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take acetohexamide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking acetohexamide without talking to your doctor.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to acetohexamide.

To monitor the effectiveness of acetohexamide, measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood or urine (when blood sugar is above a certain high level, you will have sugar in your urine). For these measurements, you will need special paper tapes, tablets, or plastic strips that change color depending on how much sugar is present. You also can use a blood glucose meter to measure the amount of sugar in your blood. Your doctor also may ask you to test your urine for ketones (substances present when diabetes is not under control). Follow your doctor's directions for testing your urine and blood and for recording the results. If your blood sugar is high or if sugar or ketones are present in your urine, call your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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